Russian Deputy Minister Fired Over 'Stupid' Policies Criticism

A Russian deputy economy minister has been fired after criticizing "stupid" government policies in an online post.

Sergei Belyakov apologized in a post on his personal Facebook page on August 6 for the government's decision to divert money from pension funds.

Belyakov said the unusual expression of regret was "his personal opinion."

By the end of the workday, it had cost him his job.

A statement posted on the government's website announced Belyakov's dismissal and said, "State employees are forbidden from allowing public statements and evaluations...if it is not part of their job."

Belyakov has served as deputy economy minister since August 2012.

Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said earlier this year that pension-fund money had been used for crisis measures and for developing the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in March.